museum

“Smithsonian Solstice – this weekend! Smithsonian museums on the National Mall will stay open late until 11PM on Friday and Saturday, and the celebration will continue into Sunday with daytime family-friendly programming.”

By Prince Of Petworth


from last year’s Solstice, Courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution

From the Smithsonian Institution:

“For the first time, the Smithsonian is expanding its popular Solstice Saturday into a three-day celebration, inviting visitors to kick off summer from Friday, June 19, through Sunday, June 21.

As part of America’s 250th anniversary, this year’s Solstice weekend offers more opportunities than ever to experience Smithsonian museums, exhibitions and programs.

On Friday and Saturday, select museums on the National Mall will remain open until 11 p.m., offering extended exhibition hours alongside special after-hours programming. The celebration continues Sunday with family friendly daytime programming across multiple locations. Additional program details and a list of opening hours are available online.

Note: This month, pedestrian and vehicle access along and across the National Mall may be limited. Visitors should allow extra time to travel between museums on the Mall.

Events (more…)

“Empanadas, wine, and cocktails launch at DOLCEZZA’s artistic shipping container at the Hirshhorn” Starting Tuesday!

By Prince Of Petworth


Independence Ave, SW &, 7th Street, SW

From an email:

“Artisan gelateria DOLCEZZA is teaming up with Flor. Coffee + Books for a tasty collaboration: handmade empanadas.

A Taste of Argentina

Starting Tuesday, June 2nd, three new varieties of handmade empanadas will be available at the DOLCEZZA artistic shipping container on the grounds of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. With the addition of Flor.’s empanadas, it’s now an ideal destination for a casual lunch, pre- or post-museum bite, midday snack, or happy hour drink.

A fitting collaboration between two Argentine-owned D.C. favorites, the empanadas join a lineup of current offerings at DOLCEZZA’s outdoor shipping container at the Hirshhorn, including canned wine, cocktails, beer, plus award-winning gelato served at one of D.C.’s most iconic summer settings. Menu highlights include: (more…)

National Building Museum Announces New Installation by Snarkitecture, THE PLAYGROUND, Opens July 3 in the Museum’s Great Hall

By Prince Of Petworth


“Rendering image of The Playground. credit: Snarkitecture Architecture”

From the National Building Museum:

“This summer, the National Building Museum invites visitors of all ages to rediscover the joy of play with THE PLAYGROUND, a monumental new installation created in collaboration with New York-based design firm Snarkitecture. Open July 3 through August 30, 2026, THE PLAYGROUND transforms the Museum’s iconic Great Hall into an immersive environment designed for climbing, building, exploring, gathering, and imaginative play. (more…)

In Happier National Mall News: Smithsonian Announces Summer Reopening of Two Iconic Landmarks – The Smithsonian Castle and the Arts and Industries Building!! Also, did I mention the Lobster Rolls?

By Prince Of Petworth


photo courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution

From the Smithsonian:

“As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the Smithsonian will reopen two of its most iconic and historic buildings, inviting visitors to reconnect with familiar spaces and explore new stories about the American experience.

This summer, the Arts and Industries Building will reopen for regular public hours for the first time since 2004, marking a new chapter after years of use for special and temporary exhibitions and events. The Smithsonian Castle will also reopen to visitors following a closure for major renovations that began in 2023. These milestones build on the permanent return of the Smithsonian National Carousel, which resumed operation Friday, April 24, after an extensive restoration.

Together, these reopenings are part of “Our Shared Future: 250,” the Smithsonian’s multi‑year initiative commemorating the nation’s Semiquincentennial through exhibitions, programs and experiences that encourage reflection on America’s past and imagination of its future.

Smithsonian Castle (more…)

“National Geographic Museum of Exploration to Open on June 26, 2026 in Downtown DC”!!

By Prince Of Petworth

Exciting news from an email:

“The National Geographic Society will open the National Geographic Museum of Exploration at its global headquarters in downtown D.C. on June 26, featuring 100,000 square feet of new public space dedicated to inspiring the explorer in every visitor. Starting today, visitors can purchase presale tickets.

The Museum of Exploration features an unprecedented collection of immersive and educational experiences, all under one roof (more…)

“The National Portrait Gallery will celebrate art, identity and creativity with its Portraiture Festival”

By Prince Of Petworth

From the National Portrait Gallery:

“Portraiture Festival & Performance of “Forever Is a Feeling” by Moveius Contemporary Ballet

WHAT: Portraiture Festival & Performance of “Forever Is a Feeling” by Moveius Contemporary Ballet

WHEN: Saturday, March 14
Festival: 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Performance: 3:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

WHERE: Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery—Kogod Courtyard
Eighth and G streets N.W.

The National Portrait Gallery will celebrate art, identity and creativity with its Portraiture Festival, a daylong event for all ages centered on “The Outwin 2025: American Portraiture Today.” This exhibition is the latest installment of the museum’s Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition, held every three years to showcase the next wave of contemporary portraiture by artists from across the United States. (more…)

Ecstatic Art News: “The painting—widely considered to be one of the finest ever made by Gentileschi” acquired by NGA

By Prince Of Petworth


“Artemisia Gentileschi
Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy, c. 1625
oil on canvas
overall: 81 x 105 cm (31 7/8 x 41 5/16 in.)
National Gallery of Art, Gift of Funds from Nina J. Cohen in honor of her father Emanuel Cohen and Patrons’ Permanent Fund”

Some ecstatic art news to start the day from the National Gallery of Art:

“The National Gallery of Art today announced the acquisition of Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy, a rare painting from circa 1625 by renowned Italian painter Artemisia Gentileschi (1593–circa 1654). This is the first singular work by Gentileschi to enter the National Gallery’s collection. Its acquisition meaningfully expands the museum’s holdings of Italian Baroque paintings by adding a defining artwork by one of the 17th century’s most celebrated artists.

The painting will be on view beginning late February in gallery 29 on the main floor of the West Building. (more…)

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